Athabasca Falls Details

High Volume Waterfalls in Jasper National Park

Athabasca Falls is a high volume waterfall dropping approximately 80 feet into a narrow gorge along the Athabasca River within Jasper National Park, and is a popular tourist attraction in the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks.

Athabasca Falls vary in appearance depending on the volume of water in the Athabasca river, ranging from an almost solid wall of water funneling into the narrow canyon in the summer to a pair of more delicate stair-step drops in the late autumn. Because of the many glaciers feeding Athabasca River, the volume of water flowing over the falls can vary by as much as 100 times from the coldest to warmest periods of the year.

Athabasca Falls is located along the Icefields Parkway about 28 kilometers south of the Yellowhead Highway in Jasper National Park and is well signed from all directions. The viewpoint is handicap accessible.

Athabasca Falls Location

Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

Coordinates

52°39′51″N 117°53′01″W

Type of Waterfall

Segmented Horsetails

Athabasca Falls Total Height

24 m (79 ft)

Number of Waterfall Drops

2

Longest Waterfall Drop

20 m (66 ft)

Total width of Athabasca Falls

46 m (151 ft)

Average width of Athabasca Falls

30 m (98 ft)

Run

15 m (49 ft)

Athabasca Falls' Watercourse

Athabasca River

Average Flow Rate of Athabasca Falls

113 m3/s (4,000 cu ft/s)

About Athabasca Falls

Location, Beauty, Power and Viewpoints..

Location of Athabasca Falls

The falls are situated along the upper reaches of the Athabasca River, approximately 30 kilometers south of the town of Jasper. They can be easily reached by car via the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), which is renowned for its scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies.

Athabasca Falls Natural Beauty

Athabasca Falls is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning surroundings. The falls cascade down a rugged limestone canyon, which has been carved over thousands of years by the powerful force of the Athabasca River. The water plunges over a series of rock ledges and creates a mesmerizing display of mist, spray, and foam.

Power and Force of Athabasca Falls

What makes Athabasca Falls particularly captivating is the sheer power and force with which the water flows through the narrow canyon. The falls are not incredibly tall (around 23 meters or 75 feet), but the volume and intensity of water rushing through the narrow gorge are awe-inspiring.

Jasper's Athabasca Falls Viewpoints

There are well-maintained pathways and viewpoints around Athabasca Falls that allow visitors to get a closer look at the cascades and appreciate the raw power of nature. Be cautious while exploring, as the rocks can be slippery due to the mist from the falls.

Accessibility

Unlike some other natural attractions in the Rockies, Athabasca Falls is quite easily accessible. It's just a short walk from the parking lot, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and physical abilities.

Photography

The picturesque setting of Athabasca Falls offers photographers numerous opportunities to capture stunning shots of the waterfall, surrounding canyon, and the lush greenery of the Canadian Rockies.

Athabasca Falls Visitor Center

There is a visitor center near the falls, where you can learn more about the geology, ecology, and history of the area. The center often provides helpful information, exhibits, and sometimes guided tours.

Wildlife Near Athabasca Falls

While visiting Athabasca Falls, keep an eye out for wildlife. Jasper National Park is home to various animals such as elk, moose, deer, and occasionally bears, which can be spotted in the vicinity of the falls.

Athabasca Falls is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone exploring the Canadian Rockies. Its raw power, natural beauty, and easy accessibility make it a popular stop along the Icefields Parkway, leaving visitors with lasting memories of the majestic Canadian wilderness. Hiking Athabasca Falls